MARGAO
Secretary of Sirlim Sports Club, Oscar Da Costa was laid to rest at Dramapur Cemetery on Tuesday evening. He passed away at a city hospital due to cardiac arrest, according to his son Oden Da Costa. He is survived by his wife and two sons. He was 69.
Da Costa also served as a physical education teacher at Viscount High School, Pernem and St Anthony's High School, Assolna. He had an illustrious career in the realm of sports administration, having served at the Sirlim Sports Club and as an organizer of Goa Football Association (GFA) age-group tournaments. He was instrumental in the organization of Our Lady of Merces inter-village football tournament as he led in nurturing talent in the village and surrounding areas.
“In the passing away of Oscar Da Costa, the football fraternity of Sirlim and the State has lost a soul whose passion and dedication towards the game will be remembered forever,” said GFA vice-president Antonio Pango in his tribute.
Former GFA president Elvis Gomes said Da Costa's demise “is a big blow to not only people of Sirlim but football lovers everywhere”. “He was an avid promoter of the game and gave a lot of time in running the affairs of Sirlim Sports Club. Goan football will miss his presence,” Gomes said.
“Very sad news. He was a dedicated football promoter and organizer. May his soul rest in peace,” said Alberto Colaco, former secretary of All India Football Federation and ex-general secretary of GFA. Joseph Dias, president of Salcete Football Club, said Oscar was “a pillar of strength in soccer for Sirlim village”. Anthony Leo Fernandes, GFA executive committee member, said, “Da Costa was an able administrator and organizer. We lost a dedicated sports lover and I extend heartfelt sympathies to the family.”
“Very sad that Oscar has left for his heavenly abode. He was a lively and kind-hearted person. He served Sirlim and football with great dedication and sincerity. He will be missed,” said Anil Kamat, AIFF's director of competitions.
“Shocked to read that Oscar is no more. My sincere and deepest condolences to his family, friends and members of Sirlim Sports Club. May his soul rest in peace. I have known him personally and seen him working hard for football development in his village. It is a big loss to Goan football. His contributions will always be remembered,” said Lavino Anthony Pereira, head coach of Salgaocar FC.
Fr Savio Viegas was the main celebrant and delivered the homily amongst six other priests who concelebrated the mass.
Among those who paid their last respects to the departed soul were Chandrakant Kavlekar, deputy chief minister, Felipe Neri Rodrigues, Water Resources Minister and Velim MLA, Benjamin Silva, ex-MLA of Velim, and Joseph Dias, president of South Goa Congress (I) Committee. Antonio Pango, GFA vice-president, and Cyril Leitao, president of CRC Chinchinim, attended the funeral.
